Gonadotropins: What They Are and Why They Matter
Gonadotropins are hormones that tell the ovaries or testes how to work. In fertility care you’ll hear names like FSH, LH, hCG, and hMG. Doctors use these drugs to help eggs develop, trigger ovulation, or support sperm production. If you’re facing fertility treatment, understanding the basics helps you ask the right questions and feel more in control.
Common Types and How they’re Used
FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) are often given as injectable meds to stimulate the ovaries. hCG mimics the natural LH surge and is used to trigger ovulation. hMG contains both FSH and LH activity and can be used in certain protocols. Doses and timing matter: small changes affect response, so your clinic will tailor the plan to your tests and ultrasound findings.
Typical uses:
- Controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF or IUI.
- Triggering ovulation before insemination.
- Supporting luteal phase when needed.
Practical Safety Tips You Can Use
Store injectables in the fridge unless the label says otherwise. Use a new sterile needle and syringe each time. Learn the injection sites from your nurse—subcutaneous belly shots are common and simple to do at home. Keep a calendar or app to track doses and appointments.
Watch for these warning signs and call your clinic if they appear: severe pelvic pain, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, or very bloated abdomen. These can be signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Mild bloating and mood swings are common, but get immediate care for intense symptoms.
Monitoring matters: clinics use blood tests (estradiol) and ultrasound to check follicle growth. Those checks guide dose adjustments and the timing of the trigger shot. Skipping monitoring increases the risk of poor response or complications.
Drug interactions are rare but possible. Tell your team about all medicines and supplements you take. Alcohol, herbal stimulants, and some over-the-counter drugs can affect hormone balance or mask side effects.
Thinking about buying gonadotropins online? Be careful. Use only licensed pharmacies and verify prescriptions. Our site has practical articles on buying meds online and choosing trusted pharmacies—read those before you order. Cheap or unverified sources can sell counterfeit or poorly stored drugs that may not work or could be unsafe.
If anything feels off, call your clinic. These drugs are powerful and work best with clear communication, good monitoring, and honest questions. You don’t need to memorize the science—just know the basics, follow your plan, and speak up when something changes.